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Travel to Europe (To-Europe) · Independent rail vacation package

7-Day Europe for Lovers Rail Tour (7R02)

Seven-day rail journey from Paris to Venice through Alpine Europe

Illustration of 7-Day Europe for Lovers Rail Tour (7R02)

Travel to Europe operates this seven-day independent rail vacation from Paris to Venice, traversing four countries and four cities in six nights. The journey opens with a high-speed ICE/TGV train from Paris to Heidelberg, where you have free time to explore the Old Bridge and castle. From there, regional trains carry you to Munich for museums and city walking; then a full-day escorted coach excursion departs for Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace near Oberammergau. Next, an Alpine rail crossing brings you to Innsbruck, where the Goldenes Dachl and Maria-Theresien-Strasse await self-guided exploration. The final leg is a scenic four-and-a-half-hour train ride through the Alps to Venice, where you have two full days including a guided walking tour of St. Mark's Square, the Cannareggio District, and Marco Polo's House. All rail tickets, hotels, breakfast, major museum admissions, and the castle coach tour are included. This package suits couples and first-time rail travellers who prefer a mix of guided experiences and free time to wander.

What to know before you look closer

  • Paris accommodation is not included; it must be added separately if you wish to arrive a day early.
  • Hotels are listed 'or similar', so the final property in each city may differ from the named hotel.
  • All meals except breakfast are not included; lunch and dinner must be arranged and paid for separately.
  • The single-room supplement is substantial: USD 2,749 versus USD 1,769 per person for a double, nearly 56% above half the double rate.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Heidelberg

    Paris to Heidelberg

    High-speed ICE/TGV rail from Paris Est via Mannheim to Heidelberg (about 3:40 hrs), with an included taxi transfer to the Old Town hotel. Walking-tour suggestions for Heidelberg Castle and the Old Bridge.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Munich

    Munich

    Speed rail from Heidelberg to Munich (about 3 hours). Munich admission package included, plus self-guided walking-tour suggestions.

  3. Day 3overnight: Munich

    Escorted Coach Tour to Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace

    All-day escorted coach tour via Oberammergau to Linderhof Palace and Neuschwanstein Castle; admissions included.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Innsbruck

    Innsbruck

    Speed rail from Munich to Innsbruck (under 2 hours) through the Alps via Rosenheim and Kufstein. Visit the Goldenes Dachl and the Maria-Theresien-Strasse.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Venice

    Venice

    Direct train from Innsbruck to Venice through the scenic Alps (about 4.5 hours). Afternoon and evening free to see the Rialto Bridge, St. Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace.

  6. Day 6overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Free English-speaking walking tour of Venice, taking in St. Mark's Square, Marco Polo's House and the Cannareggio District.

  7. Day 7

    Venice

    Tour ends after breakfast. Extensions to Rome or Florence (with day trips to Siena, San Gimignano and Pisa) can be arranged.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1High-speed ICE/TGV train from Paris Est through Mannheim to Heidelberg, followed by a taxi transfer to the Old Town hotel near Heidelberg Castle.
  • Day 3All-day escorted coach tour via Oberammergau to Linderhof Palace and Neuschwanstein Castle with admissions included.
  • Day 4Speed rail from Munich to Innsbruck under two hours, traveling through the Alps via Rosenheim and Kufstein.
  • Day 5Direct train from Innsbruck to Venice through the scenic Alps, taking approximately four and a half hours; afternoon free to explore the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square.

Included

  • 2nd-class rail tickets for all listed journeys
  • Hotels as listed (or similar) from Heidelberg onward, centrally located near each train station
  • Buffet breakfast daily
  • Taxi transfer from Heidelberg Central Station to hotel
  • Munich admissions: Residence Museum, Treasury, Cuvilliés-Theatre, Hall of Fame, Nymphenburg Palace and Park, Marstallmuseum, Museum of Nymphenburg Porcelain
  • All-day escorted coach tour to Oberammergau, Linderhof Palace and Neuschwanstein Castle
  • English-speaking walking tour in Venice
  • Day-by-day itinerary, tickets, vouchers and city information

Not included

  • Airfare from your origin to Paris and from Venice to your origin
  • All meals other than breakfast
  • Gratuities (tips)
  • Paris accommodation (available on request)

Questions travellers ask

Is all train travel included?
Yes. The package includes second-class rail tickets for all journeys: Paris to Heidelberg via Mannheim, Heidelberg to Munich, Munich to Innsbruck, and Innsbruck to Venice. First-class upgrades are available for an additional USD 159 per person and include seat reservations.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
It is a self-guided independent tour with walking-tour suggestions in most cities. Day 3 includes an all-day escorted coach tour to Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace, and a guided walking tour of Venice is included on Day 6.
What hotels are included?
Hotel Hollander Hof (or similar) in Heidelberg for one night, King's Hotel Center (or similar) in Munich for two nights, Hotel Innsbruck (or similar) in Innsbruck for one night, and Hotel Abazzia (or similar) in Venice for two nights. All are centrally located near train stations.
What meals are included?
Buffet breakfast is included daily. Lunch and dinner are not included and must be arranged separately.
Are admissions included?
Yes. Munich admissions cover the Residence Museum, Treasury, Cuvilliés-Theatre, Hall of Fame, Nymphenburg Palace and Park, Marstallmuseum, and Museum of Nymphenburg Porcelain. The all-day coach tour to Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace includes all castle admissions. Venice walking tour is included.
Does the price include flights?
No. Airfare from your origin to Paris and from Venice to your origin, plus Paris accommodation, are not included and must be booked separately.

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